Plaxico Burress Suffers Torn Rotator Cuff, May Never Play Football Again [Report]

Plaxico Burress suffered a torn rotator cuff in practice and will undergo surgery on Monday. But while the Steelers’ called the injury significant, they failed to announce what the implications could be.

But despite the lack of acknowledgement, it’s safe to assume Plaxico’s season — and maybe his career — is over. The injury comes amid reports that Burress planned 2013 to be his last season, even if he is able to mount a comeback on the field.

The accident happened in practice on Thursday when Burress landed awkwardly while he was trying to haul in a pass, reports Fox Sports. After he landed, the 35-year-old stayed bent over on the ground, before getting up and walking to the sideline.

Burress was later seen sporting a sling over his right shoulder. The injury is a disappointment for both sides. While Plaxico is likely looking to redeem himself this season, the Steelers were hoping to use the wide receiver in the red zone on Saturday.

But it appears the comeback wasn’t meant to be — at least for now. Burress was sidelined from the NFL in 2008 after he accidentally shot himself in the leg in a night flub. He went to prison for weapons charges and didn’t make his return to the NFL until he signed with the Jets in 2011.

While Plaxico Burress will likely be remembered more for the incident than his promising career, NFL notes that his teammates, including Ben Roethlisberger, have spoken out in support of Plaxico in the past.

Roethlisberger stated in 2005 that Burress “is very misunderstood.” The quarterback added, “A lot of people out there don’t realize how great of a guy he is, how great of a teammate he is.” And because of his injury, Plaxico’s teammates and NFL fans may not get to remember it.

Do you think Plaxico Burress’ rotator cuff injury will end his career?